For the first time since 1997, the North Bend Central Tigers are in the State Tournament as they knocked off Lincoln Christian 3-0 in the C1-8 District Final at Wahoo on Saturday.
The Tigers took set one 25-23, set two 25-14, and set three 25-18.
Head Coach Amy Sterup on Alex Humlicek and Jacki Minarick.
"Yes they both hit very well. You know everybody stepped up their game, and they never once had a low where they were feeling like the game was out of control, they kept it in control."
Kristin Lux led the way with 13 kills while Brooke Fredrickson had 9. Minarick totaled 8 while Humlicek notched 7.
Sterup says her squad is excited to be at state.
"It is a great feeling. The girls have worked hard this season and throughout the summer. And so it was a good feeling. They played well on Saturday. You couldn't ask for better play out of the girls."
North Bend Central (28-2) battles Bishop Neumann (27-3) in the first round of state Thursday afternoon.
The Cavaliers swept Pierce 3-0 in the C1-2 District Final at Columbus Scotus on Saturday.
Sterup says her team has to play well defensively.
"They're going to run a quick offense. I think it's going to be a defensive game both ways for us. Height wise I think we have the advantage, but they're quick, but so are we. So I think it's going to come down to our defense and who's going to play the better defense."
Neumann is the top seed and is expected to win, but I think the Tigers can give the Cavaliers a run for their money.
The biggest thing is not being in awe of the state atmosphere. It's great that North Bend Central is there, but the Tigers have to quickly adjust to their surroundings in a gym larger than what they're used to playing in.
North Bend Central has to play their game, and not let anything, like the crowd, get to them.
You can bet both schools' fans will be fired up and ready to go, and I'm willing to bet the crowd from North Bend will make quite a bit of noise.
Making state doesn't happen every year, and so this is a really special thing for the Tigers.
North Bend Central has to make the most of their state appearance, and do everything they can to hang around all weekend.
The winner gets either St. Paul or Omaha Concordia, and I think the Tigers can beat either of those teams should they get past Neumann.
North Bend Central is a very good team, and has earned their spot in the state tournament.
The Tigers didn't get the greatest seed, but North Bend Central has a chance to prove themselves in this state tournament, if they haven't done that already.
I look for the Tigers to have a good showing and represent their school well. I think it will be a successful trip to state for North Bend Central, win or lose.
The Tigers have their work cut out for them against Neumann, but to be the best you have to beat the best.
First serve is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Lincoln North Star. The match can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.
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